I know this was talked about, but searched the archives and couldn't find it. I was talking with a local shop and am toying with having him do referrals to me. I want to reward that referal with a % sale or a flat $ for each rod purchased from me through him. He suggested I prebuild some rods to have on display at the store, but I explained how this gets away from the "custom" arena and into the manufacturing arena. I don't want to do that. I offered a pictoral catalog of sorts that he could show interested customers. Any suggestion as to the amount to fairly pay him? Anyone strongly suggest I don't even participate in something like this? I am not doing it for the $$, my business is a hobby and I do it purely out of the love of building rods, the $$ helps buy new toys for the shop.
Thanks for your help
Elrod

Jon (ElRod),
I'll be up front with you here. First of all, and respectfully speaking You ARE doing this for $$. Granted it may be to feed your hobby desires and interest in the craft. Fact is, the rods are sold for $$ and commission is $$. Going the route of percentage selling with the store owner can be an easy choice initially, but can lead to problems down the road. I can't say in your situataion, as you may have a great 'partnership' relationship with the store.

As for displaying the rods, be prepared for some abuse. People will fondle the rods, you're not there to supervise, and soon what is a prime custom rod may lose the appearance you wished for in displaing condition. The store owner is probably not responsible for what happens to your rods, if you don't have a contract condition with him.
That's one thing. The other is that the viewer's of your rods only see what is in front of them, and can't relate to what you may wish to relay about your particular custom rod for performance.

For what it's worth, it may be better to place attractive signs or pampllets about your custom rods in the shop. Maybe have one on display as a 'sample' (not to be sold) at not too easy reach (preferrably behind glass). The information a potential client will pick up via your brochure should entice them to get hold of you straight away, at which point you have them come to your shop and show and tell.

Just my opinion. been there done that, and have learned from mistakes.

Rich
Solyrich Custom Rods.

Rich, once again your forward to the poster is right on the money and beyond the call, and so much more. There is such a wealth of information here on this board that I can find anything I want without posting, and maybe i'm wrong to approach it this way, and Elrod excuse me for the intrusion but with Rich and Coach and Tom and all the others really keep this board so healthy,I feel like i'm stealing.....just wanted to show my appreciation. I could'nt possibly add anything to this board. I'm just amazed that the internet can display this much integrity.

Rich makes very good points. You need to maximize your exposure while limiting your liability. Then you've got to make sure the store is getting something out of the deal too.

Think about promoting only very high end rods that don't compete with the store's offerings. As Rich said, put in just one sample and make it a high end really top notch deal that just screams custom! Also, a small photo album with other samples of your work.

Then to entice the shop to actually push your work, offer the owner his own custom rod for maybe every 5 sales he sends you. This is just one idea, but you've got to make sure he has a reason to send customers your way.

Aw shucks . Thanks for the kind words. To put me in the catagory of Tom and the "R" Canadian is an honor.